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The New Zealand Skilled Migrant Visa is the primary points-based route for skilled workers seeking to live in New Zealand permanently. Officially called the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa, it was rebuilt in October 2023 around a straightforward 6-point system, replacing the old 180-point scale that many older guides still describe. This guide explains how the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Visa works in 2026 — how points are scored, who is eligible, the fees and timelines, how to apply, and the changes arriving in August 2026.
What Is the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Visa?
The New Zealand Skilled Migrant Visa is a resident visa for skilled workers who can contribute to the economy. It lets you and your included family live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely, and it is the most common pathway toward permanent residence and, later, citizenship. It is managed by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) under the Immigration Act 2009.
The current system is deliberately simpler than its predecessor. Instead of totting up points across age, experience, qualifications and a job offer, the 6-point model asks one main question: can you demonstrate skilled, well-paid or well-qualified employment in New Zealand? Age is no longer scored at all — it is only a pass/fail cut-off (55 or under).
New Zealand Skilled Migrant Visa Points: How the 6-Point System Works
To be invited to apply for the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Visa, you need a total of 6 skilled resident points. You claim 3 to 6 points from a single skill category — you cannot mix categories — and then top up with 1 to 3 points for skilled work experience in New Zealand if you need to reach 6.
Points from one skill category
You choose the one category that gives you the most points: New Zealand occupational registration, a recognised qualification, or income from your New Zealand job or job offer. Income points are based on multiples of the median wage, which is NZD $35.00 per hour from 9 March 2026.
| Points | Income (per hour) | Qualification (NZQF level) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 3.0x median wage – NZD $105.00 | Level 10 Doctoral degree |
| 5 | – | Level 9 Master’s degree |
| 4 | 2.0x median wage – NZD $70.00 | Level 8 Bachelor Honours / Postgraduate Diploma |
| 3 | 1.5x median wage – NZD $52.50 | Level 8 Postgraduate Certificate or Level 7 Bachelor’s degree |
New Zealand occupational registration also ranges from 3 to 6 points, depending on the registration type and the training required. Overseas qualifications must be assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) through an International Qualification Assessment (IQA), unless they are on the list of qualifications exempt from assessment.
Points from skilled work experience
If a single skill category does not reach 6, you add points for skilled work experience gained in New Zealand — 1 point per year, up to 3 points for 3 years. For example, a Level 7 Bachelor’s degree (3 points) plus two years of skilled New Zealand work experience (2 points) does not reach 6, but the same degree with three years of experience (3 points) does.
| Skilled work experience in New Zealand | Points |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 1 |
| 2 years | 2 |
| 3 years | 3 |
Eligibility Requirements
Points are only part of the picture. To qualify for the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Visa, you must also meet these requirements:
- Skilled employment: you must hold, or have an offer of, skilled employment with an employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand (the same accreditation used for the Accredited Employer Work Visa). Your pay must meet the relevant wage threshold.
- Age: you must be 55 or younger when you apply.
- English language: you must meet INZ’s English requirements, usually through a recognised test such as IELTS or PTE, unless you qualify for an exemption.
- Health: you must meet health requirements, which generally means a medical examination and chest X-ray.
- Character: you must be of good character and provide police certificates.
You can include your partner and dependent children in your application, provided they meet the relationship and dependency definitions and the health and character requirements.
New Zealand Skilled Migrant Visa Fees and Processing Time
The application fee for the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Visa starts from around NZD $6,450, with the exact amount depending on your nationality and where you apply. There may be additional costs for an IQA, English tests, and medical and police certificates. Processing times vary with the completeness of your application and INZ’s queue; check the official page for current estimates before applying, as these change.
How to Apply for the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Visa
The process is built around an Expression of Interest, not a direct application:
- Confirm your points: work out whether you reach 6 by combining one skill category with any skilled New Zealand work experience.
- Secure skilled employment or a job offer with an accredited employer that meets the wage threshold.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to Immigration New Zealand, declaring your points and circumstances.
- Receive an invitation to apply, then submit your residence application with supporting evidence (identity, qualifications and IQA if needed, employment and wage evidence, English, health and character documents).
- If approved, you receive the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa and can live, work and study in New Zealand.
From Resident Visa to Permanent Residence
The New Zealand Skilled Migrant Visa is a resident visa, not yet a path to permanent residence. After holding a resident visa for the required period and meeting its conditions, you can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa, which removes travel conditions and lets you come and go indefinitely. For a detailed overview of the residence-to-permanent-residence step, see our guide to permanent residence in New Zealand. If the points-based route does not fit your situation, the overview of New Zealand visa types sets out the other work, study and investor options.
Changes Coming on 24 August 2026
Immigration New Zealand has announced changes to the Skilled Migrant Visa that take effect on 24 August 2026. The 6-point system stays, but two new residence pathways are being added for people whose strength is practical experience rather than the existing points:
- Skilled work experience pathway: for migrants in skilled roles (skill levels 1–3) with at least 5 years of directly relevant experience, including 2 years in New Zealand, earning at least 1.1 times the median wage.
- Trades and technician pathway: for specified trades or technician roles with a relevant Level 4 or higher qualification and at least 4 years of post-qualification experience, including 18 months in New Zealand paid at or above the median wage.
The changes also increase points for New Zealand university-level qualifications and simplify the wage rules so applicants no longer have to meet a higher wage threshold at the residence stage. If you are planning an application around this date, confirm which rules apply to your situation before you submit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Visa the same as the Skilled Migrant Category?
Yes. “New Zealand Skilled Migrant Visa” is the common search term; the official name is the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa.
How many points do I need?
You need 6 skilled resident points: 3 to 6 from one skill category (registration, qualification, or income), plus up to 3 for skilled work experience in New Zealand if required to reach 6.
Do I need a job offer?
Yes. You must hold skilled employment, or have an offer of it, with an employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand, paid at the relevant wage threshold.
Is there an age limit?
Yes. You must be 55 or younger when you apply. Unlike the old system, age does not earn or lose you points — it is only a cut-off.
How much does the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Visa cost?
The application fee starts from around NZD $6,450, plus likely costs for an IQA, English test, and medical and police certificates. Confirm the current fee for your country with Immigration New Zealand.
Does the Skilled Migrant Visa lead to permanent residence?
Yes. It is a resident visa; after meeting its conditions for the required period you can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa, and later New Zealand citizenship.
What is changing in August 2026?
From 24 August 2026, two new pathways (skilled work experience, and trades and technician) are added, points for New Zealand qualifications increase, and the residence-stage wage test is simplified.
Source: Immigration New Zealand – Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
This article is for general information only and reflects rules current as of June 2026. Wage thresholds, fees and points settings change — and further changes apply from 24 August 2026 — so confirm the current requirements with Immigration New Zealand before applying.